Monday, September 8
Today we had hoped to have the staging and cell type back. Unfortunately it is not back yet. I was also supposed to pre-register for lumpectomy to be done on Wednesday.
Over the weekend I had some restful and quiet time to contemplate my situation and choices. I originally chose lumpectomy because it was an immediate fix. Here are my options:
Lumpectomy 9/10. Mastectomy /bilateral
Remove nodule and surrounding tissue. Surgical removal of both breasts
Chemotherapy Chemotherapy
Radiation
Possible disfigurement. Immediate reconstruction started
30% lifetime recurrence rate. Less chance of recurrence
Stronger possibility this again. Less chance of this again
After thinking all of this over I decided that the best long term treatment would be to go with the double mastectomy while I am younger and can heal easier than having to possibly take this journey again.
Today I cancelled the lumpectomy and have scheduled the bilateral mastectomy for Thursday, November 6, 2014.
Some may wonder why so long before I do this. Not that I have to explain but to hopefully ease the minds of those that love and care about me; only God knows how long this cancer has been in my body. It appears that the nodule was present but missed on my mammo in 2013. There has been no indication by doctor or pathology that there is an urgency for removal. I have a few things planned for September and October that I would really like to do. Yes, this may seem selfish but I am at total peace that God knows when my days will end whether I have surgery or not. I choose to enjoy the things I already have planned and not let cancer control my life. Beginning November, 6 I will plan things in conjunction with my cancer treatment. God made us to enjoy life and not live in fear so I will do that to the best of my ability. This Winter will be long with surgery and chemotherapy so I shall enjoy the Fall.
I ask that when you pray for me you will include my family and also the many people on this journey who don't know Jesus and do not have the joy of The Lord through their journey.
Sherry
Remember when you were in high school and someone would sign the crease of your year book with "I'm the first to sign your crack"? Well, that is the way I feel right now...I'm the first to comment in your crack :) Girl, you are remarkable because you allow God into every fiber of who you are. You don't put on with people you just are who you are. I know that God is using you to help other women because you are a fighter...you are a survivor. I'm so grateful to call you friend.
ReplyDeleteMissell you know how much I love you and your family. Thank you for being my friend and commenting on my crack or cleavage I should say.
DeleteYou are such an inspiration and I am thrilled to call you my friend! Enjoy your Fall and I am praying for you! I fell this incredible need to insert the Rocky theme song here, but can't figure out to do it! Just imagine me singing it and you jumping around with boxing gloves on! You are a fighter, no go kick this cancers butt!
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny and I love you. I would love to put a theme song on the blog but don't know how. Maybe missell can help me since she is a seasoned blogger. I would use Steven Curtis Chapman "Glorious Unfolding" it empowers me!
Delete